India‘s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached a critical juncture following a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super 8 match on Sunday. The loss not only snapped India’s remarkable 18-match unbeaten streak in ICC events but also pushed the defending champions into a corner.
Placed third in Group 1, India’s Net Run Rate (NRR) has taken a massive hit, plummeting to -3.800 — a worrying sign in a tightly contested Super 8 stage. With two crucial matches remaining against Zimbabwe and West Indies, the equation is clear: win both games and win them convincingly.
For a side that entered the tournament as one of the favourites, the margin of defeat against South Africa has suddenly made the road to the semifinals far more complicated. The defending champions now not only need victories but also dominant performances to repair their NRR and restore belief.
Amid rising pressure and intense scrutiny, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has weighed in with a strong suggestion regarding India’s playing XI for the must-win clash against Zimbabwe.
Irfan Pathan picks a change India must do in their playing XI for Zimbabwe clash
Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan made it clear that India should resist the temptation to make wholesale changes but insisted on one key inclusion — Axar Patel.
“Axar Patel should get in. He is a guy who can actually bowl against left-hand batters as well. So let me make it very clear that he’s very good. He’s very experienced. We can use him as a floater in batting as well. So that’s the first thing first,” Pathan said.
Pathan emphasised Axar’s ability to handle left-handers, something that could be crucial against Zimbabwe’s batting unit. Apart from his bowling value, Axar’s flexibility in the batting order adds balance to the side — a quality India seemed to lack in the previous game.
Pathan also acknowledged that the team management might be considering bringing in wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, especially with a big clash against West Indies looming. However, Pathan warned against overthinking.
“The Indian team might be thinking if they can get Kuldeep Yadav in because they must have seen the attack they got in as far as the West Indian team is concerned as well. So they might be thinking against Zimbabwe, should they get Kuldeep in and give him a go before the big game against West Indies as well,” he added.
“Apart from that, yes, they are left-handers. Yes, they’ll be thinking about Sanju Samson as well, but I don’t want the Indian team to think and tinker too much. I would think they should make only one change as far as the playing 11 is concerned. Axar should get in,” Pathan concluded.
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Defending champions face defining moment
India now find themselves at a defining moment in their title defence. The aura of invincibility built over 18 ICC matches has been shaken, and the margin for error is virtually zero.
Against Zimbabwe, India are expected to dominate with both bat and ball. The batting unit must show intent from the outset, ensuring a big total or a swift chase to improve the damaged NRR. The bowling attack, meanwhile, needs sharper execution in the powerplay and death overs — areas that proved costly in the defeat to South Africa.
The clash against Zimbabwe is not just another group-stage encounter; it is a survival test. With the high-stakes battle against West Indies next in line, India cannot afford another slip-up.
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